And yet, sadly, people rarely believe this. It's probably because conflict is a topic that makes many of us feel uncomfortable. It can bring fear to our hearts and remind us of past failures and acts of which we are ashamed. Our lives are pockmarked by battles and arguments with our loved ones, like the one I experienced while returning from a date night with my wife.

"You're speeding," Erin warned.

"I'm driving the speed limit," I snapped. "Quit trying to control me."

"I'm telling you that the speed limit is 35," Erin shot back, "and you're doing 45. You're going to get a ticket!"

"This is a brand-new road in the middle of nowhere," I argued. "Why would they make it 35? I'm positive that it's 45. Besides, why would anyone care if I'm going a little fast on a deserted road?"